There. It's said.
I am not ready for 2014 and yes, it is already the 4th day in.
Just so you know, there's been a pattern here the past few months.
I wasn't ready for summer to be over.
I wasn't ready for school to start.
I wasn't ready for fall to come.
While I certainly can't keep time at a stand still, I've been sitting here struggling to think about moving forward into 2014. Many of you have posted goals and resolutions for the year. I am still wishing for solutions to some of the things that happened in '13. How do you move forward when so much of the past is stilling hanging in a precarious balance? It's murky, you know.
As I was catching up with blog reading on the evening of the 1st, I came across Beth Twist's. It spoke right to me. So the next morning I scurried on over to Ann Voskamp's New Year's Day post to read more. When I read that she wanted a "No-Fear New Year," I paused.
"Oh," I whispered. "Is that what is going on here? Am I afraid?
Afraid of moving forward when what isn't resolved from last year may never get resolved?
Afraid that my youngest son will never feel well?
Afraid that a dear one may return to the place of deep darkness?
Afraid that every day will keep looking the same old way over and over?
Afraid of budging out of my selfishness and comfort zone to really grow?
Afraid of what it will cost me if I ask God to change my want to?
Afraid of growing old?
Afraid of what trials God might use to refine me next?"
"Oh," I whispered even softer. "There may be something to this."
I don't consider myself a fearful person, fretting and worrying over every little thing. I trust in the One who has everything in His hands. But, to say I have no fears would be pretty naive. We all do.
Fears of failure.
Fears of not being right.
Fears of not being liked.
Fears of change.
Fears of being taken advantage of.
Fears of the unknown.
Fears of not having control.
Thinking on the words that have so recently been part of the Christmas story, the angel really knew how to speak it:
"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11
"Fear not, girl. I've got good news for you!
Jesus is here.
He came not only to bring salvation to a lost and needy world,
but to take you by the hand and lead you into the new year, one day at a time.
Yes, there still will be a lot to muddle through,
and no, it is not guaranteed to wrap up neat and tidy by the end of this year either.
But, let's just give Him glory, lots of glory, and peace will replace the fear."
I like it.
I like it a lot.
I may just make it my "word" or rather "words" of the year.
So friends, whether you are looking forward to all 2014 has in store or are rather tentative about it like me, may you all be blessed with a "Happy No-Fear New Year!"
Victoria
